14 DAY TRIAL // Four firefighters have suffered deadly wounds while putting out a blaze at a hotel in Houston.
KTRK reports that the Southwest Inn on the Southwest Freeway near Hillcroft caught on fire, prompting an operation that went on for several hours. The number of casualties is the highest ever registered by the Houston Fire department.
"Today will go down as the worst day in history of the Houston Fire Department. [...] The most loss of life ever," Houston Mayor Annise Parker says.
Three men and one woman were crushed by the roof when it collapsed on top of them. Three emergency operators died on the spot, while a fourth one was pronounced dead at the hospital.
"We took the highest amount of risk possible because we thought we had civilians in the structure. The structure collapsed and our members who were trying to save lives were lost," Houston Fire Department Chief Terry Garriso describes.
150 firefighters were dispatched to the Inn, but the four victims were trapped inside after becoming disoriented and straying from the group.
"You walk in, average fire, our temperature is going to be at about 500 or 600 degrees F (260 – 315 C). [...] You gear up, your body temperature is going to be at that place of exhaustion within 10 minutes," HFD Captain Rudy Lozano explains.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives is investigating the cause of the fire, and arson or an explosion have not been ruled out.
The fire was first reported at a restaurant located near the hotel, with guests trying to break free by breaking doors and windows.
"Our association and the International Association of Fire Fighters are monitoring the conditions of the six injured firefighters and will be assisting them and their families in every way possible," Jeff Caynon, president of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association adds in a statement.